Q & A

"I've been in the Craft for about 3 years. I want to join a
coven. How can I find one or start one?"
K.D. (16) in Ohio

To join a coven you first need to have your parents permission.
(ooo the dreaded "p" word) This is important because not many covens
will allow a minor to join, and those that do require parental permission
for legal reasons. So if your p.
However, I can suggest three excellent books that may help you along:Inside a Witches' Coven by Edain McCoy, Llewellyn Publications, 1997Covencraft by Amber K, Llewellyn Publications, 1998
and Wicca Covens by Judy Harrow, Citadel Press,1999

Moon SpiritWolf

Pagan Youth Resources

Young Pagans today who have ventured beyond the
exploring phase of Paganism need support.
We are at risk

Starlight Review

This book contains 73 guided meditations, all of which are useful and
full of wisdom and guidance. Through these meditations, Ardinger, has
given us a valuable tool for reaching out to the divine and expanding
our spiritual growth.

Included in Goddess Meditations are tips on posture, breathing
exercises,and advice on grounding for those new to meditation.

I highly recommend this book for those of you interested in meditation.
Whether you're just beginning or are looking for new and exciting
guided meditations to follow, you're sure to find this book a valuable
companion.

This presented the image that Paganism was a negative influence on teens and it also violated student's rights.
We admire that fact that Crystal stood up for her faith. However, she didn't
do it alone. Respectable Pagan organizations were at her side throughout.

We want you to know that there are organizations who take a positive
and active interest in the youth of Paganism. Below are listed some
sites and addresses of such organizations that do.

YoungWADL- Crystal Seifferly is on the Board of Directors
as the Youth Advisor for WADL( Witches Anti-Discrimination League)
http://welcome.to/WADL

Rainwater Society- Set up to increase youth involvement within the Pagan
community as a whole. http://www.angelfire.com/ca2/YoungPagans

Youth for Pagan Awareness- http://listen.to/ourvoices

The Witches' Voice- http://www.witchvox.com

Awakenings- A mailing list for teens and college students.
http://welcome.to/Awakenings/

Coalition for College and University Pagans- http://members.tripod.com/ccup_org/

Witchcraft/Paganism Today Part II

"Teens In A Pagan Society"

As if it's not bad enough going through those teen years, throw a little bit of
Magick, Herbs, & Goddess worship into that and teen life can be a..... well you
get the point. When you're between the ages of 13 and 19 you are discovering life, who
you are, what you believe, and experiencing everything for the first time. I know when I first found the Goddess, both of
my eyes were blind. Through much trial and error, I began to see what my meaning
was, how things were, and that Paganism was embedded in my heart.

Growing up as a Pagan/Wiccan can be very trying for the young, and for the
young at heart! A lovely webmistress I know (Kali Weavyyre) once said, "Mom,
Im a Witch! And the family cat is my familiar!" I laughed with such joy when I
read that line as I feel that is truly how "Teen Witchery" is. One of the
hardest parts of being a teen witch is coming out of the broom closet in a
Christian/Catholic home. I feel for anyone who has to deal with the broom closet
situation, it is the hardest thing to go through in the Craft. All through out
life there are so many choices to be made and the teen years present some of the
hardest choices young Pagans must make.

The Rede presents a problem in that we as "The New Generation" must carry on
with good intentions, all teen Wiccans must know how important the rede is and
use it in all magickal workings as well as everyday life. I myself have some
strong convictions towards the rede, In that I feel the rede should only be
applied when possible. As newbies to the Craft, teens must know that the rede is
not a strict law and can't always be used in everyday life. Granted, no one should ever be harmed
on purpose, but in our human nature sometimes hurt can't be avoided.

EXITING THE BROOM CLOSET
Exiting the broom closet is the hardest thing for any teen to do. I have found
that when explaining this to the "Parental Units", using Books, Websites, and a
wealth of personal knowledge is the best way to go. I don't condone staying in the
closet at all. Working magick in the closet is okay for a short time, but
believe me it is no way of life. When you are in the closet, this gives a
feeling of doing something wrong. Why? Because you are hiding who you are, what
you believe, sneeking around, and going behind mommy and daddy's back. We as
Witches, Pagans/Wiccans should be proud of who we are and what we believe. Young Pagans must know that
being who you are and letting others know is not a sin.

DISCRIMINATION
There are a few elders in the pagan community who don't exactly like teen
Pagans. This is a fact and we all must deal with it. Young people are the
future. Paganism's survival is dependent on the youth joining the Craft. Instead
of loathing the fact that there are so many newcomers, we should all be
joyous of this, knowing that our religion won't die.

WITCHERY IN THE CLOSET
Here are a few *Helpful Hints for all you Witches/Teens In the Closet1. "I can't burn incense my mom will kill me!" No problem at all! I devised this solution for the Incense Problem! First empty
out that old hairspray bottle in the bathroom, clean it out real well and
cleanse it.

Next, add 10 drops of a base oil and 3-4 drops of an essential oil.
Spray across the room or altar, now you have something almost as good as
incense! 2. "I need a WAND!!"
You know what? It doesnt matter what your wand looks like. Find a nice branch
out in the backyard, and theres your wand. You can glue or wrap a crystal on the
end if you want to. When mom asks ya what the stick is for tell her, "I made it
as a toy..... for the cat!"3. "I have carpet in my room, If I burn a candle, I burn the carpet!"
Hmmmmm..... Use a candle holder, plate, or bowl with some sand!4. "Can I perform spells or rituals skyclad?" Do you have a lock on your door?5. "Help. I need an athame!" Okay.....No problem, grab the family letter opener!
Well, I hope I have been as to some help to teen Pagans and elders in the community. If anything you had a good
laugh from the broom closet help I hope!

Silver Willow (willow@pagans.org)

Our Growing Numbers

by Styra

For centuries Pagans were forced to hide in the dark but in the
last decades our numbers have been increasing. Why? Here are the three
most popular answers I received:

The Environmentalist Movement The latin translation of the
word Pagan is "People owers seem
to be most common. These reasons all scream one thing at me; that Pagan
religions ARE for today's world because they deal with today's issues.
In a century where we are looking for an identity we look to the past
and return to the old ways. There is no doubt that our community will
continue to grow.

Q & A

"I've been in the Craft for about 3 years. I want to join a
coven. How can I find one or start one?"
K.D. (16) in Ohio

To join a coven you first need to have your parents permission.
(ooo the dreaded "p" word) This is important because not many covens
will allow a minor to join, and those that do require parental permission
for legal reasons. So if your parents give you the go ahead, then
you can seriously begin the search for a coven. You shoud try the
Circle Guide to Pagan Groups. You can get this for $18 (U.S. and Canada)
$21 elsewhere. Send the check or money order in U.S. funds to Circle Guide,
Circle Sanctuary, PO Box 219, Mt. Horeb, WI 53572 USA.

An alternative method is to search on-line (use your best judgement
when doing this). There are quite a few networking resources on-line.
One of the best is "Witches of the World" at: http://www.witchvox.com/

As for starting your own coven, I suggest waiting a while longer before
you take on this responsibility.
Give yourself a little more time to expand your knowledge and get a clear
idea of what it is you want to do exactly.
However, I can suggest three excellent books that may help you along:Inside a Witches' Coven by Edain McCoy, Llewellyn Publications, 1997Covencraft by Amber K, Llewellyn Publications, 1998
and Wicca Covens by Judy Harrow, Citadel Press,1999

Moon SpiritWolf

Pagan Youth Resources

Young Pagans today who have ventured beyond the
exploring phase of Paganism need support.
We are at risk for being harrassed and criticized
for our religious beliefs. This is mainly because
in our society we are seen as too
immature to know what's best for our souls if it
goes against commonly accepted practices. Since
Witchcraft and Paganism are not so well understood
and accepted (yet), Pagans in high school are accused
of being teenyboppers and going with whatever is
the lastest "fad". In some cases, witchcraft or symbols
associated with witchcraft and Paganism are presented
to kids as "bad" influences. This questions our faith
and sometimes has a very negative effect in our lives.

We don't just face the negative attitudes outside of the
religion, we also face it within the religion. Although
there are a lot of young Pagans who are just now going deeper
into the faith, we aren't all doing it just because it's "the thing to do".
Both the subject of Witchcraft as a fad and Witches at war with
each other have been covered in an earlier issue of
Starlight Voices (Vol.1, No.2).

Crystal Seifferly, a 17 yr. old whom we have interviewed for this issue was
involved with a case against her school. Her school listed the
pentagram as an item banned from the campus.

Starlight Review

This book contains 73 guided meditations, all of which are useful and
full of wisdom and guidance. Through these meditations, Ardinger, has
given us a valuable tool for reaching out to the divine and expanding
our spiritual growth.

Included in Goddess Meditations are tips on posture, breathing
exercises,and advice on grounding for those new to meditation.

I highly recommend this book for those of you interested in meditation.
Whether you're just beginning or are looking for new and exciting
guided meditations to follow, you're sure to find this book a valuable
companion.

This presented the image that Paganism was a negative influence on teens and it also violated student's rights.
We admire that fact that Crystal stood up for her faith. However, she didn't
do it alone. Respectable Pagan organizations were at her side throughout.

We want you to know that there are organizations who take a positive
and active interest in the youth of Paganism. Below are listed some
sites and addresses of such organizations that do.

YoungWADL- Crystal Seifferly is on the Board of Directors
as the Youth Advisor for WADL( Witches Anti-Discrimination League)
http://welcome.to/WADL

Rainwater Society- Set up to increase youth involvement within the Pagan
community as a whole. http://www.angelfire.com/ca2/YoungPagans

Youth for Pagan Awareness- http://listen.to/ourvoices

The Witches' Voice- http://www.witchvox.com

Awakenings- A mailing list for teens and college students.
http://welcome.to/Awakenings/

Coalition for College and University Pagans- http://members.tripod.com/ccup_org/

Youth Speaks and In the Starlight Special!

* Editors Note Crystal was interviewed while on-line.
This interview is done I was 13. I started to practice at 15.

Are your parent(s) supportive of your religious choice?

At first, they were leery. I gave my mother some literature to read and
after a while she came to understand. The rest of the family ignores the
issue.

What is your summarization of the young Pagan community? Who are the
young Pagans in your eyes?

I have had little contact with the Pagan community. Up until this case
started, I had no contact with other Pagans. Because I am just beginning to
learn, this question is difficult to answer. As I see it, young Pagans are
at a disadvantage unless they have personal access to other Pagans.

Are ther

They were apprehensive about the reaction I would get. They were
concentrating more on the 1st Amendment rights that were being violated.

Before this case did you have any problems at school due to your
religion?

Once, a teacher mistook my pentacle for a gang symbol. It was sent to the
police officer and he said he'd never seen anything like it. It then was
sent to my asst. principal and I was called down. I explained it was a
religious symbol, the ideology of Wicca. I was cleared.

What is at least one important lesson that you learned from this
experience?

Stand up for yourself. Don't sit on your butt and bitch about what's not
being done. Do it.

Is there anything else you'd like to add? Any advice for young
practitioners? A message you'd like to get across to them?

Just because you are young doesn't mean you don't have some conviction. It
doesn't mean you can't accomplish anything and it doesn't make you any less
capable of making a difference. WADL has created a branch called YoungWADL.
That is what the theme of this organization is. You can do anything if you
try hard enough.

Interviewed by Moon SpiritWolf

Goddess 2000 Project Launches Community Art Event

Goddess 2000 Project: "A Goddess on Every Block!" is a Grass-roots community based Goddess
art project. Thousand of pagans and others who honor the Earth are preparing to welcome the year
2000 by creating large goddess statues and paintings all over the country. Groups in other countries
are also participating. Full details are available at the official ~Goddess 2000 Project~ Web site at:
www.geocities.com/Athens/Thebes/3163/index.html

This year, all over the world, pagan groups, circles, and solitary folks will be making artwork that
celebrates and honors the Goddess, the Green Man, and the CornMother. This will be the largest
collection of Goddess Imagery seen in the past 3,000 years!

The official kick-off for this year long project was Dec. 21, 1998. Already many people have
responded, and statues are being made in wood, plaster, concrete, clay, paper, textiles and metal.
Paintings, collages and murals are also being made.

Winter Solstice 1999 will be celebrated with community Spiral Dances around the world and the
dedication of the ~Goddess 2000 Project~ tributes to the Goddess.

Sponsors of this event are: Spiral Goddess GroveThe Witches' Web & Circle Sanctuary. All
three have websites that are popular Internet destinations. www.spiralgoddess.com
www.witchesweb.com www.circlesanctuary.org

Do Unto Others...

...or, um, don't?

by Flicker

Self-sacrifice: Is this not the very foundation of the Christian religion?
I find it sadly disturbing that those who would have me conform to their
righteous ways would so flippantly overlook the essence of the institution
that shelters them.

It saddens my heart to see a culture so intent on intolerance and
judgement. These are not the qualities I want branded into the minds
of my children. As long as our society focuses on the narcissism,
exclusion, and degradation rather than simple acceptance and love, we
will continue to self-destruct. Therein lies your Satan, Mrs._________"
not our beliefs, but your hatred of them.

*Intro from the Senior Editor: Starlight Voices is proud to
add the "The Green Life" column to the newsletter. It's
focus is on our environment. This subject covers things from
environmental protection to nature's re things wonter a ritual that
you're afraid wont go right? Chamomile tea will help a LOT (believe me on
this one. I've tried it.)

*If you get a splinter from your broom or other wooden object, comfrey leaf
and calendula flowers will be like Neosporin. They can heal the cut quickly
and relieve pain. (This will not work if you rub them on your temples for a
headache. Nice try.)

*If you're sick all the time due to a weak or slow immune system, or if you're
just recovering from something, use astragalus. It can strengthen the immune
system (which, for those of you who don't know, is the system that your body
uses to fight disease).

*If you've got a cold that you want out and out NOW, echinacea root will
shorten the virus's life span.

Creative Writing

by Moonsoul

Magickal Notes

FOR CREATIVITY

Charge a orange calcite or citrine stone by chanting:

Little stone of creativity
Bring your inspiration to me
With your guidance let me see
As I do will so mote it be!

Carry it with you whenever you feel the need for an
added boost in creativity or inspiration.

P a g a n ~ P a l s

These people can also be contacted by email.
Go to our site for the full listing of
young Pagans who are looking for contacts.
To write to these people you can send them
a letter c/o Starlight Voices and we will
forward them. Otherwise you may contact them
by email. Please (for your safety) do not give
anyone you don't know too personal information,
such as your address, phone number, school name
or address. As much as we'd like for everyone to
be honest there are the few 'bad apples'. Use your
best judgement at all times.

SnowDolphin
F/12Manahawkin, New Jersey"Hi! I'm a pre-teen witch looking for others around my age to
chat with. I love music (especially percussion). Email me if you'd like to talk
with me!"Email: marimba6@yahoo.com

Silver Coyote
M/PiscesDesert Hot Springs, California"Beginning pagan/wiccan would like to have contact with others
with same interests male or female. Please feel free to email me!"Email: nitehowl@netscape.net

Precious Bean
F/16/TaurusFort Worth,Texas"I am 16 years-old. I don't know any other Pagans/Wiccans
in my area. I love books by Silver Ravenwolf, Scott Cunningham, and Amber K. I
am in the broom closet, a very small one. I love animals. I have 3 dogs, 2
turtles, and 2 guinea pigs. I would like to correspond with both guys and girls,
it does not matter which."
Email not available

Starleta
F/21/GeminiSan Francisco, California"Hi. I live in San Francisco. I've been studying Wicca for
about 1 year. I am just looking for people who could teach/guide the right ways. I
like to read, ride bikes, and the outdoors. (Nothing Sexual Please)"Email: geminis21@juno.com

Hathor
F/15/CancerTinley Park, Illinois"Merry Meet! I'm a 16 year old female pagan who would love to
make new friends. I'll talk to anybody, Wiccan, Pagan, etc. it really doesn't
matter. My interests include vampires, mythology, psychology, history, and just
about everything else. I hope to hear from you soon. Blessed Be!"Email: HetHert@bolt.com

C o m m u n i t y N e w s

Southern California
LAMMAS AT RAVENS' FLIGHT
Sat July 31 8:00pm Presented by Roebuck at Raven' Flight. This
will be a pot luck ritual and it is going to be held in honor
of Doug & Sandy Kopf. $5.00 donation requested. For more information
visit the Ravens' Flight website at: http://www.cyberwitch.com/raven
or call : 1-888-84-RAVEN

LAMMAS FAIR
6TH Annual Pagan Festival and Camp-out
Willow Lodge will be sponsoring a Lammas festival in the Angeles
National Forest. A weekend of ritual and fun! Admission is by
advance registration only. July 30 - August 1. Contact Olwen Fferyllt at: olwen@earthlink.net
Visit the website: http://home.earthlink.net/~olwen/lammas.html

RAVEN GRIMASSI, author
Saturday and Sunday, July 24 and 25, 1999 he will be at the Dharma Center in Whittier, CA
for a book signing on Saturday at 7:30. On Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. there
will be a 2 part workshop on Wicca 101.

Indiana
SILVER RAVENWOLF, author
July 23-24 Silver Ravenwolf will be at "World of Wisdom" in Indianapolis.
Workshops include Original Magick and Prosperity Magick. For more information call: (317) 787-3005 or Email:wow@indy.net

Pennsylvania
YOUNG PAGAN GATHERING CIRCLE
This is an ongoing event for young Pagans ages 13-25 in Pittsburgh,PA.
No specific date or time. Group forming for discussions and networking.
Contact Zjeza Sylvan at: colelea_grrl@hotmail.com
Young Pagan Gathering Circle of Philadelphia
(Havertown, PA) Same as above, Contact Rev. Mica Levi at: mica@zdial.com or call: (610) 493-2769

FIRST HARVEST CELEBRATION
A public circle to be held at the UU Church in Erie,PA
on August 3 at 7PM. $3.00 donation requested. Contact Selkie at: eala@cecomet.net

Texas
MOONSONG LUGHNASSADH FESTIVAL
To be held July 31 - August 1 at in Belton, TX. Free Camping,
games, events, rituals, workshops. There will be activities for
children. Contact Nimue or Brianna at: (254)501-4559, or (254) 554-2403
Website: http://www.geocities.com/athens/atrium/6220/index.html

Ohio
Blue Rose Gathering
This gathering is for Wiccans 13-17 in the Columbus/Marysville area.
To be held August 13 in Marysville,OH. Contact Amanda Wise at: aew_69@yahoo.com

Poll Commentary

This time around we decided to include
some commentary on the poll question
we posted. (You can find the results on
page 5 of this issue.) Below are the comments
from the staff of Starlight Voices in response
to the poll question: What do you think of the
"Media Witch"?

"They are only meant for entertainment, and they shouldn't be real life
portrayals of us." -- Cyrex Azger

"If they're horribly terribly off track when they're supposed to be
representing the religion, then they piss me off. If they're flying around
and making potions with frogs eyes and stuff then they're obviously for
entertainment and I don't get my underwear in a twist over it." -- Dragonraven

"People need to laugh at themselves a little and not take themselves
so seriously; those who are uptight in thinking that these "Media Witches"
are doing undue harm to Our Kind. Granted, some may, but that is not
likely the case. Here I reference Sabrina, the Teen Age Witch, for example.
People need to separate Reality from the Movies and until those that need
to do so, they will continue to make fools out of themselves by running around
like chickens with their heads cut off." -- Arianna Stillfield

Announcements

The winner of last issue's random drawing for the
book Teen Witch by Silver RavenWolf
is Stacy W. from Sacramento, California !

The Rainwater Society is taking submissions for a youth resource
packet. We're looking for publications, organizations (on and offline),
events, groups (covens, study circles) and any other possible resources that can be of use to the
young Pagan community. (For examples, see page 3 of the issue) Please,
if you know of any such resources tell us about it. We can be contacted at:
society@rainwater.zzn.com or send it by postal mail in care of Starlight Voices.